Can Dogs Drink Beer?

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Sometimes, bars host happy hours – often called “yappy hours” – for people to bring their dogs, drink and socialize.  Now, there is a new canned, non-alcoholic “beer” for dogs – Dog Brew by Busch – that people can give their dogs at home, so the pooches can drink their own “beer” while their humans enjoy a cold can of real brew.

The pork-broth-based Dog Brew’s ingredient list includes water, bone-in pork butt, whole corn, celery, basil, mint, turmeric and ginger. The only ingredient it has in common with human beer is water, and your dog will appreciate the dog-friendly taste and nutrient boost, says Daniel Blake, vice president value portfolio at Anheuser-Busch.

Related: Make These Turmeric Spiced Sweet Potatoes and Eggs For Your Dog

“We know how passionate our fans, and people in general, are about their dogs,” Daniel says. “People love to spend time with their dogs, and what could be better than enjoying a refreshing beverage after a long day with your beloved pup? Now, after a long walk or day in the park, Busch fans can share a beverage with their best friend.”

Faux doggie beer may be fun, but don’t get the wrong idea: Real alcohol is not safe for your dog to consume. Photo: chee gin tan/ Getty Images

Can dogs drink beer?

Faux doggie beer may be fun, but don’t get the wrong idea: Real alcohol is not safe for your dog to consume, cautions a veterinarian from Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.

Dr. Christine R. Rutter, clinical assistant professor at A&M, says that pet cocktails, like non-alcoholic beer for dogs and catnip-infused “wine” for cats – is about human novelty more than anything, as pets don’t feel they are missing anything without their own mocktails. These beverages are probably harmless fun for both people and their pets, although any new food or beverage should be introduced in moderation to prevent GI upset, she says.

However, people should be careful not to assume that real human beer or any alcoholic beverage is OK to give to dogs. It isn’t, says Dr. Rutter.

“It is not uncommon for people to give a dog or even a horse a sip of beer. Both of those species tend to appreciate beer the same way people do,” she said. “It’s not a good idea, and I don’t recommend it. Most domestic species don’t appreciate the taste of wine or spirits, but it is not uncommon for intentional or accidental exposure to occur.”

There is no safe amount of alcohol to share with your furry friend; they have a lower tolerance for ethanol, says Dr. Rutter.

What should you do if your dog accidentally ingests beer?

Intoxication causes the same types of symptoms as in humans, including vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination and a coma. Some animals require mechanical ventilation and intensive care after alcohol exposure, which for dogs tends to happen via human alcoholic beverages, uncooked bread dough and rotten fruit; along with things like mouthwashes, medications, paints and fuel substitutes. The smaller your dog, the less alcohol he can tolerate – and the higher the proof of the alcoholic beverage, the more dangerous it is, she says.

If your dog ingests more than an accidental sip or two of an alcoholic beverage, Dr Rutter recommends calling your veterinarian or animal poison control center for guidance.

If you want to enjoy a safe version of drinking with your dog, you can probably go ahead and have fun, Dr. Rutter says. Just don’t depend on it too much or get carried away.

“These products purchased and given to pets in moderation as a novelty are probably fine,” she said. “But in the same way that we find constructive and safe ways to enjoy our quality time with children without putting them at risk, I think we can do the same with our animals – with or without faux adult beverages.”

Busch – which, inspired by its Foster a Dog program, debuted Dog Brew in August of 2020 and sold out its first supply in 24 hours – is donating $1 for every case of Dog Brew purchased to Best Friends Animal Society, up to $50,000, Daniel says.

Featured Image: Anheuser-Busch

Read Next: Why Dog Parents Are Trying Water Enhancers

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Shorti Rossi to the Rescue

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Vámonos — let’s do this!” is the get-it-done attitude of Shorty’s Rescue, a Pit Bull dog rescue founded by TV reality star Shorty Rossi.

Shorty Rossi’s passion is to help the often misunderstood Bully breeds.

Based out of La Misión, Baja California, Mexico, near the San Diego border where Shorty lives, the facility currently houses 30 dogs from seniors to puppies and adopts over 100 animals a year. Living in Mexico, Shorty has seen first-hand the unfortunate conditions many dogs live in due to homelessness, lack of medical treatment and no access to affordable spay and neuter procedures. To help address these problems, Shorty partnered with local veterinarians and started a monthly free spay and neuter clinic. The program is so popular there is now a lengthy waiting list. Not wanting to turn pet owners away, Shorty is in the process of purchasing a van to convert into a mobile spay and neuter clinic. The clinic is expected to go into operation in the summer of 2021. Store that gives back To raise funds to support the rescue, in 2019 Shorty opened the Shorty’s Rescue Pet Store. Many foreigners actually live in La Misión, and there is a need for high-quality pet food and supplies for their pets. The store’s profits also allow the rescue to provide community outreach to the town, such as free dog food, heartworm prevention, annual shots and medical procedures.

Road trip for hope Shorty has seen firsthand the effects COVID has had on his rescue with fundraising and community support. During this tough time, his nonprofit is committed to helping other rescues across the United States by bringing awareness to the amazing work they are doing and helping them raise funds.

This past December and March, Shorty traveled across the United States visiting over 20 rescue groups to livestream on social media telling the world what they do, showcasing their hard work to adopt animals and bring awareness to their donation needs.

To virtually go along on Shorty’s next shelter road trip and to nominate your favorite shelter for a visit from Shorty, go to: Facebook.com/ShortyRossi.

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Rachel Phelps, “America’s Pet Parent,” is an award-winning writer, photographer and certified dog trainer. She keeps busy managing the career of her Internet celebrity dog Preston from PrestonSpeaks.com. She has three Westies, who think they are mini-humans, and a cat, who rule the house. Learn more at RachelPhelps.com

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Why Dogs Bite and How to Stop it

The post Why Dogs Bite and How to Stop it by Victoria Stilwell appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

No dog lover wants to believe their dog would ever bite and, fortu­nately, most dogs will never find themselves in the position where they feel the need. However, every dog regardless of breed has the ability to bite, because biting is an effective way to keep himself safe. Educating dog lovers about what their dogs need to live successfully in a domestic environment and teaching them what their dogs’ body signals mean is important for bite prevention.

Choose positive training

Dog lovers are understandably stressed and anxious when their dogs show aggressive behavior. They may turn to trainers who guarantee that the aggres­sion will stop when aversive equipment or techniques designed to suppress behavior through pain and fear are used. However this approach has a high rate of failure because suppressed behavior is not changed behavior. Dogs might comply when wearing these aversive collars, but when they’re removed the dogs will often revert back to behaving “normally,” relying on their default behavior of biting to keep themselves safe.

This is where positive training shines, because the techniques posi­tive trainers employ change behavior by modifying the dog’s need to use aggressive behavior. By using manage­ment and positive training techniques, dogs can be taught the skills needed to cope with different situations, which helps to increase their confidence.

Keep under stress threshold

Note that there are no guarantees when it comes to behavior, both in the human and canine world. You might have a better idea how your dog will respond in a variety of environ­ments or situations, but you cannot guarantee their response, just as you can never know how you will feel or respond tomorrow.

All behavior depends on the bio­logical reactions an organism has to different experiences. Positive trainers understand the dog’s experience. They employ techniques that work in the real world — knowing that all dogs can bite if put under pressure.

Keep in mind that when dogs become too stressed, they find it hard to focus and learn. This is because their “emotional” brain takes over, which makes teaching them a lot harder.

It is important to keep your dog under threshold: the point when a dog moves from a state of calm (where they are able to learn and process new input) to a state of arousal (where their emotions take over and they are less able to process information). Keeping dogs under their stress threshold and teaching them to cope in different situations is key to preventing bites.

Practice avoidance

Aggression is vital for survival both for humans and dogs, but it is much safer for both species to practice avoidance and remove themselves from what they perceive to be a threatening situation. Offensive behavior like fighting is detrimental to survival, as the threat of harm is so high, most dogs will choose not to fight unless there is no chance of escape.

I teach all dogs I work with the skill of avoidance, as well as help-ing clients understand the value of choice and space. If a dog is given the choice to put distance between themselves and the stimulus they find threatening, bites can be prevented. This is an incredibly powerful skill. Understanding when you can or can’t put even small amounts of pressure on your dog during the teaching process will also help increase your dog’s confidence.

Empower through choice

All puppies and adult dogs should be given the chance to learn skills that they can use as a way to communicate and be successful. These range from learning basic cues to understanding that walking away is better than responding offensively when they are uncomfortable. Choice is empowering, and its value is something that we don’t put enough focus on, especially when working to prevent or treat aggressive behavior.

Let’s take a dog that doesn’t like people coming into her home. Manage the situation by providing your dog with a bolt hole or people-free safe zone to go to if she feels uncomfortable. By giving her the choice to stay or go to her bolt hole, you keep your dog under threshold and people safe. It’s a very simple but effective solution while you work with a positive trainer to increase your dog’s confidence in other ways.

The most important advice is to be your dog’s advocate and try not to put pressure on her to greet other people on walks or in other social situations. Understanding why dogs bite and using management and training techniques to help dogs be successful in our domestic world will create a more harmonious relationship and prevent bites from occurring.

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What Does It Mean When Your Dog Lifts a Paw?

The post What Does It Mean When Your Dog Lifts a Paw? by Jill Breitner appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Dogs talk with their bodies. It can happen so fast that we miss subtle nuances, and then we wonder why they behave a certain way. To understand our pups better, we must learn to pay better attention to their body language. Dog paw lifts are one expression that often go ignored, except by hunters, of course, such as in the image below of a bird dog. Here, your dog lifts a paw and positions his ears forward in alert, directly stares at prey, put his tail out and poises his body to create a message of high drive and excitement, not anxiety.

English Setter puppy in training, lifting a paw. Photography by Shutterstock.

1. The anxious dog paw lift

It’s the paw lifts by non-hunting dogs that can be a sign of anxiety, stress, and/or fear. I translate this body language in my Dog Decoder smartphone app using illustrations by Lili Chin of Doggie Drawings. There are 60 different poses and scenarios. Each pose features three parts; The Pose, The Info and The Details about the pose and the app’s star, Diamond:

The Pose

Illustration from the Dog Decoder smartphone app, illustrated by Lili Chin.

The Info

Illustration from the Dog Decoder smartphone app, illustrated by Lili Chin.

The Details

Illustration from the Dog Decoder smartphone app, illustrated by Lili Chin.

In the above illustration, a dog is showing fear in multiple ways, including a paw lift. Dogs will often lift a paw when anxious, so it’s important to look at all of the body — including ears, tail, eyes, and paw — when reading your pup. It’s also important to speed read. Dogs talk a mile a minute with their body, changing signals in an instant. Don’t be discouraged if you miss subtle signs at first — the more you pay attention, the better you will be at understanding your dog.

In fact, I have a mantra all of my clients use whenever they are with their dogs. In training, just hanging out, playing fetch, riding in the car… they ask themselves, “What does my dog need now?” This helps them become more aware of what their pup is saying. Try it yourself!

2. Sometimes, a dog lifts a paw in anticipation

Illustration from the Dog Decoder smartphone app, illustrated by Lili Chin.

Paw lifts also can be an expression of anticipation, as shown above. In this context, you see that Diamond has high hopes that the turkey is for him. Ears and eyes alert, head and sniffer up and ready, tail out, and a paw lifted combine to signal anticipation.

3. The fearful paw tuck

Illustration from the Dog Decoder smartphone app, illustrated by Lili Chin.

Dogs also may tuck a paw to convey fear. Typically, when a dog tucks a paw while lying down, it’s a sign of relaxation, but not always as shown in the image above. Diamond is hiding under the table, not wanting to interact. Notice that his left front paw is tucked and he is indirectly staring at the boy. Diamond also has pulled his body in and away from the boy, becoming small and tight — these are all signs that he is scared and could bite. If the boy doesn’t retreat or the parents don’t step in to translate these “stay away” signals, he could be in serious danger.

Bottom line: Keep an eye on your dog’s paws

Often, when a dog lifts a paw or tucks it, it’s one of the first signs of stress, and if it goes unnoticed could lead to, at best, frustration for you if an undesired behavior follows — at worst, it could lead to a bite.

Our dogs rely on us to learn their language, and by gaining this skill, you’ll find that your dog is not being “stubborn” or “bad.” Instead, you will understand that he is anxious, excited, or afraid. With this newfound knowledge, you’ll be better equipped to help your dog.

For more insight, download the Dog Decoder smartphone app via iTunes and Google play. You can also learn more from Sarah Kalnajs’s DVD The Language of Dogs as well as from the book Decoding Your Dog: Explaining Common Dog Behaviors and How to Prevent or Change Unwanted Ones by John Ciribassi, Debra Horwitz, and Steve Dale.

Thumbnail: Photography by Dvorakova Veronika | Shutterstock.

Read Next: 6 Things to Remember When You Have a Fearful Dog

 

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Why Do Dogs Get Eye Boogers?

Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian, and this article is for information purposes only. If your dog has more eye discharge than usual, or if you notice any sudden changes please consult your veterinarian.

Does your dog get a lot of eye boogers? If so you’re not alone. I feel like I’m constantly wiping them off my dog. And if we’re taking pictures? Well it’s almost guaranteed that she’ll have a few.

Why Do Dogs Get Eye Boogers?

While some eye discharge in dogs is completely normal, there are a few things to look out for such as yellow discharge or pus that could indicate a serious infection.

Why do dogs get eye boogers? In this article we’ll take a look at some of the common causes for canine eye discharge, and some of potentially dangerous symptoms to look out for. Here’s a brief look at five common causes of eye discharge in dogs.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis (also known as Pink Eye) is the inflammation of the tissue that covers the front part of the eyeball and lines the eyelids. The most common symptoms of canine conjunctivitis include eye discharge, excessive blinking, redness, and swelling around the eyes. It’s usually seen in both eyes, but in certain conditions only one may be affected.

Some of the common causes of conjunctivitis include viral infections such bacterial infections, allergies, eyelid abnormalities, glaucoma, tumors, trauma to the eye, or inflammation from environmental pollutants such as smoke. Depending on the cause treatment may include antibiotics, pain medication, antihistamines, and possible surgery to treat tear duct issues.

Canine Dry Eye

Canine dry eye, also known as Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a condition that results from inadequate tear production (or when they evaporate too quickly). Some of the common conditions that cause limited tear production that can lead to dry eye include hypothyroidism, canine distemper virus and immune disorders that damage the tear producing glands.

The symptoms of canine dry eye include irritation, redness, and discharge. Dogs with dry eye may blink or squint excessively, and some may hold their eyes shut. Usually both eyes are affected, though one eye may appear worse than the other. Canine dry eye can lead to Corneal ulceration, which due to the scarring it causes has the potential to impact your dog’s vision. Treatment depends on the severity, and may include artificial tears, antibiotics or surgery.

Epiphora

Ephiphora is another condition that can effect dogs, and in simple terms it’s an overflow of tears from the eyes. It’s often a symptom of something else going on, and is associated with a variety of conditions. So if your dog is having more eye discharge than normal it’s a good idea to take them to a vet to determine what the underlying cause is.

The most common signs are an over abundance of wetness around your dogs eyes, and a reddish or brown staining on the fur. If your dog has more wetness than usual around their eyes, or an abnormal amount of discharge your veterinarian can help you figure out the underlying cause. Depending on the cause treatment may include antibiotics, steroids or surgery.

Entropion

Entropion is a genetic condition where a portion of the eyelid is folded inward. This often causes the hair on surface of the eyelid to rub against the cornea, eventually leading to corneal ulceration or perforation. The damage can also lead to a build up of scar tissue which can interfere with vision.

The most common symptoms of entropion in dogs are squinting, excessive tears and mucus discharge from the outer corners of the eye. The treatment for entropion is corrective surgery.

Breed Specific Issues

Certain breeds of dogs, such as those with bulging eyes, are more susceptible to developing eye issues such as excessive eye boogers or discharge.

Exophthalmos is the bulging of the eye out of orbit, and it’s common among brachycephalic (short nosed) breeds such as Pugs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Bulldogs and Shih Tzus. Dogs with bulging eyes are more likely to have eye problems because their eyes are more exposed and accumulate a lot of foreign material.

Breeds with a lot of loose skin such as Bloodhounds and Cocker Spaniels are more prone to ectropion (eyelids that roll outward) and cherry eye, where a gland in the eyelid falls out of position.

Excessive or abnormal eye discharge can be a sign of something serious going on with your dog, so it’s best to have them checked by your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Resources & Recommended Reading

For more information on why dogs get eye boogers check out the following articles;

• Dog Eye Discharge Causes
• Why Does My Dog Have Mucus In His Eyes?
• How to Treat Cat & Dog Eye Discharge

Please share with your friends

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The Ins & Outs of Joining a Dog Group

The post The Ins & Outs of Joining a Dog Group by Lauren Katims appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

I love talking about my dog, Lucy. I could keep up an ongoing conversa­tion about the way she tilts her head to the side, ears sticking up and out, when she wants to go for a walk. Or how she does a little twirl when she wants a treat. Sometimes, I question my level of obsession with my little Chiweenie. Until … I meet another dog owner.

Let’s be honest, we are all obsessed with our dogs and could talk about them for hours. Here’s the good news for us: There are different groups — hiking and walking, happy hours, singles meetups, beach days and park playdates — designated to connect people who want to talk about their dogs just as much as we do!

Of course, it’s not all about us; there are benefits for the dogs, too.

Dog playgroups can help with socialization skills and provide exer­cise with other furry friends in a safe environment. There are hundreds of no-cost groups around the country and most likely one right in your city. But, before joining your fellow dog-loving neighbors, think about the following tips to help your meetups remain safe, well-maintained and fun.

For High-Energy Dogs

Find a group that meets regularly at dog parks, hikes or walks around your city: activities that will send your pup home for a nap.

That’s why Chrissy Longcore, who started the Doberman Gang of NYC in 2013, began sharing her weekly dog park schedule online. Her Doberman puppy, Lucy, had so much energy, Chrissy wanted other dogs for playing and other dog parents for talking.

The group began to grow so large that Chrissy had to limit the number to about 150 active members in order to maintain the safety of the large dogs in a group setting.

“It was a family atmosphere,” she says of the weekend park dates around the five boroughs, the hikes and the field trips to upstate New York.

For Small Breeds

Find groups that require dogs to be under a certain weight or low energy.

Arielle Kaplan took over the Denver Small Dog Group at the end of last year. She organizes weekly park playdates through meetup.com at designated small-dog or low-energy dog parks around Denver. Because of COVID, she’s had to halt use of an indoor training facility where the dogs played and worked on agility.

“I saw a big improvement with my rescue dogs socially and emotionally,” Arielle says, adding, “it’s wonderful to meet up and talk about little-dog issues.”

For Community Support

Search for breed-specific groups or groups based on dog size, rather than activity.

Chrissy often gets messages from Doberman parents who feel discrim­inated against because of the breed’s stranger-aggressive reputation. The group has a Google doc available for members that lists breed-friendly apart­ments, pet sitters and dog walkers.

“We have a huge network,” she says. Dobermans commonly have heart issues, and it’s comforting to have a support group when these issues arise — and a list of veterinarians who spe­cialize in handling them. “(Members) realize we’ve all been through it; they can lean on us,” Chrissy says.

In the Denver Small Dog Group, Arielle welcomes people new to the area who feel isolated because of the ongoing pandemic.

“It’s as much for me as my dog,” she says. “Especially, during COVID, it’s been a lifesaver.”

For Low-Energy or Senior Dogs

Seek groups that meet for happy hour or coffee plus leisurely walking or beach meetups.

John Gonzales, founder of @igbulldogs_SoCal, uses his Instagram account with 15,500 followers to connect French and English Bulldog owners in Southern California.

Bulldogs aren’t particularly active unless they are young, John explains. Much of the meetups are held at photo-friendly spots, like in front of the Hollywood sign, the San Diego racetrack or dog-friendly beaches, to get a shot for Instagram and give the humans time to chat and the dogs time to relax.

He encourages people in the sister bulldogs groups nationwide to post pictures from their outings. “I don’t care if I’m in NYC or in the cornfield of Iowa,” John says. “I love seeing dogs everywhere.”

Chrissy Longcore, who started the Doberman Gang of NYC says the group has a family atmosphere.

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Color Me Buddy

The post Color Me Buddy by Melissa L. Kauffman appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Rescued as a pup from Dublin, 15-year-old Buddy lives in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and stars in his own coloring books: A Dog Called Buddy and Buddy Goes to University. Final-year art student and Irish-American (Mum’s an American and Dad is Irish) Tara McCullough was inspired by her “15-year-old best companion and family pet” to create the books.

Tara specializes in painting at the Edinburgh College of Art in Scotland, but she also does illustration and graphic design on the side. “I’ve fully documented Buddy’s personality and characteristics in my coloring books,” she shares. “I’ve illustrated all of Buddy’s adventures — from becoming a seasoned yogi, a trip to the Bahamas for a getaway with my brother Conor, to joining an a cappella group and graduating from Pawbridge University. Not to mention all of his most favorite activities — eating, singing, snoozing, peeing, begging for treats and walking up the Cave Hill Belfast.”

Tara created the Buddy Coloring Book in 2014 as a surprise gift for her sister, Erin. “The book was adored by all our family and friends,” says Tara, “so I decided, last year, to make a follow-up coloring book Buddy Goes to University. This book was dedicated to my sister Erin again, as she had just graduated from college and I am very proud of her.”

Digitizing the book was the most challenging part, says Tara, which took a lot longer than making the original drawings.

“I had to adapt my original drawings to minimal line work that would be suitable for childrens coloring in. The project has been so much fun.”

Although Tara’s studies at university take up most of her time these days, she does sell artwork on the side, by painting people’s dogs, cats, birds, fish and “you name it!” And plans for a future Buddy coloring book …

“I hope to make another bigger and better interactive coloring book,” says Tara, “now that I’ve gotten to know how it all works: Buddy visits the USA!

Follow Tara @taramcc_art and buddythedog.org.uk.

 

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Why Do Female Dogs Hump? Reasons for Female Dog Humping

The post Why Do Female Dogs Hump? Reasons for Female Dog Humping by Melvin Peña appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

“Why do female dogs hump?” It is a question that people have asked forever, or at least since antiquated ideas of gender hierarchy took hold of humanity’s fevered imaginations. However, the question is not a dirty one, since the reasons for female dog humping are varied. So, why do female dogs hump? First of all, rest assured that humping is a perfectly natural and common activity in both male and female dogs.

Female dogs also hump the same spectrum of things as male dogs, including people’s legs, pillows, dog beds and other female dogs. Humping, also called mounting, is a learned activity, often taking root well before dogs reach sexual maturity. Humping, pelvic thrusting or licking at the genital area may indicate playfulness, desire and stress. They may also hint at medical or behavioral issues that you’ll need to address together.

Why Do Female Dogs Hump? First, Let’s Talk About Sex

Why do female dogs hump? Photography by Smit / Shutterstock.

As strange as one may find it, female dogs do, in fact, hump. Puppies as young as six weeks old, both male and female, have been observed to engage in humping or mounting activities. Until they reach the age of sexual maturity — anywhere from a year to two years of age — mounting behaviors seem to relate primarily to playful sexual education. As a sexual activity, mounting can be mitigated through a combination of consistent, positive training as well as having your puppies spayed or neutered.

For the vast majority of adult dogs who have been spayed or neutered, humping behaviors may still serve what we would consider to be a sexual purpose, that of autoerotic pleasure. Yes, that’s right, dogs, both male and female, can and do masturbate. Humping is a learned behavior, and, along with licking or chewing at their genital areas, one that they derive pleasure from. Being fixed may prevent a dog from successfully reproducing, but it does not eliminate the joy or relief they experience in the course of genital stimulation.

Female Dog Humping May Stem From Boredom and Stress Relief

Do you leave your female dog alone for extended periods? Does she have sufficient toys and other distractions to get her through the day? If not, another answer to, “Why do female dogs hump?” might be boredom or stress relief. Just as some dogs may bark, bite, whine, howl, rend couch cushions or shoes when they feel neglected, so too do other dogs hump as a reaction to boredom or intense stress.

If your dog, female or male, is a habitual humper, you may want to consider establishing a stricter and more regular schedule of walking, running or interactive play. Engaging with your dog and providing her with a routine can eliminate boredom or anxiety as a reason for her to hump objects, people, and other dogs.

Female Dog Humping May Stem From Medical or Behavioral Issues

If your female dog is humping everything in sight, especially if it begins abruptly and is not an occasional or habitual activity it may be a symptom of a larger concern. In these cases, you’ll want to seek veterinary attention. Physical pain caused by trouble urinating, or a urinary tract infection, may be relieved or soothed by humping anything ready to hand. Excessive licking or chewing at the genital area may also indicate urination issues or UTIs.

Do you have a dog who was a long-term shelter resident or possibly from an abusive or neglectful home? Female dog humping may also be a response to poor socialization or other stressful conditions. Female dogs that routinely hump in social situations — at the dog park, for instance, or whenever a new person visits your home — might have behavioral issues that a trainer can address.

Female Dog Humping May Stem From Force of Habit

The habitual, and incorrect, assumption about humping is that it is a male-centric activity, and one oriented toward establishing dominance. In adult and older dogs, especially in multi-dog households, or in the wild, humping may serve social purposes or reinforce hierarchies. For every other dog, the answers to, “Why do females dog hump?” are as varied as the reasons why people chew on their fingernails. If it is not constant, repetitive or disruptive, humping is a natural dog activity.

Like any behavior in female and male dogs, humping is learned, either through frequent repetition, external encouragement, or lack of dissuasion. If you have a puppy and his humping behaviors are met with laughter or simply not discouraged, dogs will not learn that humping is a disruptive behavior or an unwanted one.

Tell us: Have you owned dogs, male or female, who got into the habit of humping? How did, or do, you deal with it? Share your experiences with your fellow readers!

Plus, is your dog a frequent VICTIM of another dog’s humping? Find out what to do here >>

This piece was originally published in 2014.

Thumbnail: Photography by Jenn_C / Shutterstock. 

About the author

Melvin Peña is a writer, editor, and social media manager who spends most of his time in Durham, North Carolina. His interests include his dog, Baby (of course!), art, hiking, urban farming and karaoke.

Read more about dog behaviors on Dogster.com:

• What to Do to Stop Dog Chewing
• Why Do Dogs Bark? Reasons Dogs Bark and How to Stop Excessive Dog Barking
• How Do Dogs Show Affection to Humans?

The post Why Do Female Dogs Hump? Reasons for Female Dog Humping by Melvin Peña appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

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Why Is My Dog Vomiting White Foam?

The post Why Is My Dog Vomiting White Foam? by Melvin Peña appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Is your dog vomiting white foam? Bearing witness to your dog vomiting white foam can be disconcerting at the best of times and cause dog owners to panic at the worst. There are so many reasons for digestive upset in dogs, and they share so many similar symptoms, that general upset can be difficult for veterinarians to diagnose quickly. While some of the causes for this issue — such as a dog finding rotting food in the garbage or ingesting a foreign object — can occur to any dog at any time, you can manage, treat or prevent the riskiest and most dangerous reasons for a dog vomiting white foam.

First, why is your dog vomiting white foam?

Why is your dog vomiting white foam? Photography © MartinPrescott | E+ / Getty Images.

A dog who gets sick once before returning to normal is likely to have eaten something she shouldn’t. If a dog throws up several times in a day or for more than a couple of days in a row, on the other hand, schedule a veterinary appointment. The leading causes for a dog vomiting white foam include internal injury, infection and inconsistent eating habits. The major ones we’ll examine include:

1. Ingesting toxins, poisons, foreign objects
2. Bilious vomiting syndrome
3. Bloat
4. Kennel cough
5. Pancreatitis and other digestive inflammations
6. Parvovirus
7. Rabies

1. A dog vomiting white foam may have eaten something strange

Eating a foreign object can lead to an upset stomach, indigestion or intestinal blockages, all of which might reasonably point to a dog vomiting white foam. With the exception of dog toys, small, loose objects should be kept well out of the reach of indoor dogs. Household items that are toxic to dogs — especially household cleaners that not dog safe and pesticides directed toward insects or rodents — can also cause adverse reactions, like a dog vomiting white foam.

Store all household chemicals in tightly-capped, shatterproof containers and never leave them out. If you put out rat, roach or mouse traps, put them in spots out of your dog’s reach. Here is a list of plants and foods that can be toxic to dogs. Note the presence of any of these in your home. It may be of critical importance to a veterinarian if a dog is vomiting white foam.

2. Your dog might be throwing up foam because of Bilious vomiting syndrome

Bilious Vomiting Syndrome in dogs is similar to acid reflux in humans. Bile and stomach acid are naturally occurring fluids that aid in the digestion and processing of food. On an empty stomach, however, they can cause irritation. That irritation can lead an otherwise healthy and hungry dog to ignore meals, or, in more extreme situations, vomit to expel the excess. The vomit from Bilious Vomiting Syndrome can be colored yellow, white, green, orange, brown or some mixture. Sometimes, it’s accompanied by slimy mucus.

Feeding an active dog smaller meals at regular intervals throughout the day — including a small snack first thing in the morning and last thing at night — may be the best and easiest way to address what could become a more serious problem. If excess stomach acid or bile are at fault, over the course of her life, a dog who produces excess digestive fluids can suffer from damage to her stomach or intestinal lining, leading to more serious digestive issues as she ages.

An alternate solution is acid-reducing medications. Consult with your dog’s veterinarian, who can recommend an antacid which may also help relieve your dog’s suffering, especially if your work schedule prevents you from being able to physically give your dog meals throughout the day.

3. Bloat may cause dogs to vomit white foam

Bloat, also known as gastric torsion or stomach dilation, is an extremely serious condition in dogs. In the worst cases, a dog’s stomach literally becomes twisted from its normal position in the abdomen. This not only traps air, food and fluids in the stomach, but it also restricts blood flow.

One of its early symptoms, before all movement into and out of the stomach cuts off, is a dog vomiting white foam. This condition most commonly occurs in deep-chested adult and senior dogs. While the precise reasons for it are unclear, prevention consists mainly of making sure dogs are not overactive just after meals.

4. A dog vomiting white foam can be a sign of kennel cough

Kennel cough is a mild illness, most commonly contracted in multi-dog households, at boarding facilities, veterinary offices, dog parks, and places where training classes are held. Wherever a large number of dogs are present, this upper respiratory infection can strike.

If a dog throwing up white foam has recently been in one of these situations, a veterinarian may reach a diagnosis much more quickly. Other symptoms to look out for are a hacking cough and eye discharge, or a runny nose. Kennel cough also tends to be a self-limiting sickness, typically running its course in about two weeks.

5. Pancreatitis might cause dogs to vomit white foam

Swelling or inflammation of the pancreas interrupts a dog’s normal digestive functioning. When food cannot be properly and regularly broken down, processed and eliminated, the dog has limited options for getting rid of the excess material in his stomach. Vomiting is one route, and white foam can accompany it.

Dogs with canine diabetes are at increased risk for developing pancreatitis, which is when white foam in the vomit is also linked to diabetes. Other symptoms include adopting a hunched-over position, noticeable abdominal pain and fever.

6. Parvovirus may cause foamy vomit in dogs

A viral infection seen most frequently in puppies and very young dogs who live in multi-dog homes, dogs get parvo through oral contact with feces. Signs of this illness generally begin within a week to 10 days of exposure to the virus.

Along with your dog vomiting white foam, the most alarming symptom of parvo is diarrhea that contains blood and has a strong odor. This is a deadly disease; however, most early-life combination vaccines help puppies build up immunity to parvovirus. An unvaccinated dog vomiting white foam may indicate parvo as the cause. Consult a vet as soon as possible.

7. A dog vomiting white foam might have rabies

Rabies is the last, and least likely, culprit for a dog vomiting white foam. We’re all familiar with the image of a rabid dog foaming at the mouth, but regurgitating foam only happens in the very last stages. By the time a dog takes to vomiting white foam, observers will have noticed much more worrisome signs, such as aggressive behavior. As with parvo, rabies is preventable with the appropriate vaccines and boosters.

The bottom line on a dog vomiting white foam:

The two most dangerous reasons why dogs vomit white foam are actually preventable. Photography by WilleeCole Photography / Shutterstock.

An informed, observant and proactive dog owner has a distinct advantage. This means knowing your dog’s eating habits, noting any deviations, and being able to adjust as circumstances require. Changing the portions and frequency of a dog’s meals, whether she is a growing puppy or an active adult, can help prevent the buildup of bile and acid, which causes later-in-life digestive problems.

Keeping a dog in a clean environment— including regularly sanitized food and water bowls— minimizes the risk of contracting parasites as well as bacterial infections. The two most dangerous reasons for a dog vomiting white foam — parvo and rabies — are largely preventable with proper vaccination.

Tell us: Has your dog ever vomited white foam? What was the reason for your dog vomiting white foam?

Thumbnail: Photography © Lindsay_Helms | iStock / Getty Images Plus.

This piece was originally published in 2010. 

About the author

Melvin Peña trained as a scholar and teacher of 18th-century British literature before turning his research and writing skills to puppies and kittens. He enjoys making art, hiking, and concert-going, as well as dazzling crowds with operatic karaoke performances. He has a one-year-old female Bluetick Coonhound mix named Idris, and his online life is conveniently encapsulated here.

Learn more about how to decipher what your dog is throwing up on Dogster.com:

• Is Your Dog Vomiting Blood? What to Do Next
• Why Is My Dog Vomiting Yellow?
• Dog Vomiting: What Canine Parents Need to Know

The post Why Is My Dog Vomiting White Foam? by Melvin Peña appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

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Have a Fearful Dog? These Training Tips Will Help

The post Have a Fearful Dog? These Training Tips Will Help by Amber Carlton appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

My dog Mayzie was rescued by Second Chance Animal Rescue in Colorado. At the time, she was approximately two years old and had spent her entire life at the end of a rope in someone’s backyard. She had little food and water and only the frame of a drawer for shelter. To our knowledge, she had never lived in a house until she went to live with her foster mom. When we adopted her two months later, we knew her history and that she was a “sensitive” dog. But beyond that, we really had no idea what we were getting into. Truth be told, I’m not sure we could ever have been prepared for the enormous project we were undertaking. Mayzie was a truly fearful dog. She was quite literally afraid of everything.

A list of “Items That Terrified Mayzie” included: hardwood floors, stairs, the oven, the dishwasher, the BBQ grill, the umbrella on our patio set, the wind, ceiling fans, walks, getting in the car, getting out of the car … Well, you get the idea.

Today, though, with a lot of hard work, patience and cheese therapy, Mayzie is a happy, funny, confident dog. Sure, there are things that still scare her, but she now has the tools she needs to deal with most things that come her way.

But, oh, I remember how challenging those first few days, weeks and years were. And I realize now that while there are many resources out there on how to help a fearful dog, they generally don’t prepare the human for the unique challenges and rewards that come along with it.

So if you’re just starting your journey or have been at it for a while, here are some tips to help your fearful dog.

Parenting a scared dog is a challenging but rewarding experience. Photography ©Image Source | Photodisc via Getty Images.

1. A fearful dog’s journey isn’t a straight line — don’t expect it to be

Humans seem to be hardwired to want to get someplace by the shortest, most direct path. When it comes to working with a fearful dog, however, it’s best to accept that you’re going to be taking the scenic route. You should prepare for setbacks and breakdowns, and you may have to take an alternate route every once in awhile.

The fact is, setbacks are going to happen and they’re perfectly normal when it comes to a fearful dog. But that doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Even in the worst case scenario, you’re likely not going to go back to the place you started. If you stay the course, you’ll be gaining ground and moving forward toward your goal. So when detours happen, acknowledge them but don’t let yourself be discouraged by them.

2. Learn to enjoy the perspective

After adopting Mayzie, I became hypervigilant about everything around us. What were the potential triggers on our walks? What might cause her to fly into a panic in the house? Frankly, it was stressful because it seemed that Mayzie’s many boogeymen were always lurking just around the corner.

But then I slowly began to realize something: I was seeing things in a way I never had before. Maybe the flowers in one of my neighbor’s gardens had begun to bloom. Or maybe another put up a new fence. And, wow, I never noticed that beautiful weeping willow down the street before. Once I began looking at the world through Mayzie’s eyes, I not only helped her, I received the gift of appreciating the world around me in a whole new way.

3. Revel in small victories when it comes to scared dogs

One morning on our walk, Mayzie stopped dead in her tracks and backed up several steps, her body low to the ground. I immediately became extra alert. What threat had I missed? Then I saw it. After a hard rain the night before, a large dahlia bloom had dropped onto the sidewalk and into our path. Any other dog wouldn’t have even noticed. Not Mayzie. This was new and different, and in the past it might have sent her into a panic to get away. I stood still, studying her for clues on the best course of action.

Not sure how to tell when your dog is scared? These are some signs of a scared dog >>

As I watched, she slowly crept her front legs forward, her neck outstretched, while somehow keeping her back legs poised for flight. Closer and closer she inched until she was finally nose-to-bud with the flower. As soon as she sniffed it, all tension released from her body. “Duh, mom, it’s a flower! And you were so scared,” she seemed to say as she trotted happily away. To anyone else, it might have seemed inconsequential. But to me it was another example of how far this fearful dog had come. I smiled all the way home.

4. There will be tough days and you might want to give up

About two weeks after we adopted Mayzie, we had a really, really bad day. Everything that could go wrong, did. I was at my wit’s end and felt completely in over my head. As my husband and I climbed into bed, I broke into sobs and blurted out, “I don’t know if we can do this! Maybe we should give her back to the rescue.” I shocked even myself by saying that. I was raised to believe that an animal, like a child, is a lifetime commitment, but I was tired and frustrated and simply didn’t know what to do.

My husband looked me in the eye and said, “She’s ours now and we’re not giving up on her. You’ll feel better after you’ve slept.” And you know what? He was right. I woke with a better outlook and renewed determination to help my dog. That wasn’t our last bad day, by any means, but I was better prepared for them in the future.

5. Just remember — a fearful dog does get better

Five years ago, I never would have believed where Mayzie is today. Never. I couldn’t have conceived of a reality where she would love to go for walks or that I could flip on the ceiling fan without a second thought. Yet here we are. Some days/weeks/months, it felt like we were making no progress at all. But looking back on it, I realize that things were getting better even if it was hard to see at the time.

One of the best pieces of advice I got was to start a journal to keep track of progress. I started a blog. You might prefer a notebook. But whatever you do, write it down. It’s so helpful on the difficult days to read about how far you’ve come, how much progress you’ve made and how it really has gotten better.

6. Parenting a fearful dog is one of most rewarding things you’ll ever do

I can’t even begin to count all the hours and money I’ve invested in helping Mayzie become the dog she is today: happy, healthy and with a full, rich life. Is she “normal” (whatever that means)? Well, no, I guess not and probably never will be. She was too far behind the eight ball to ever catch up completely. But every minute and every dollar I’ve spent have been worth it. All the work we’ve done together has created a trust and a bond that is rare and unbreakable. It’s been an amazing, challenging, crazy roller-coaster of a ride, and I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.

Your turn: Do you have a fearful dog? What has been your biggest challenge or reward? Tell us in the comments!

Thumbnail: Photography ©hidako | Thinkstock.

Originally published in 2014. 

Read Next: How to Help a Nervous Dog Overcome His Fears

The post Have a Fearful Dog? These Training Tips Will Help by Amber Carlton appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

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Top 9 Doggie Dental Issues

The post Top 9 Doggie Dental Issues by Arden Moore appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Keeping our dogs healthy does require performing some unflattering tasks — like daily poop patrol in the backyard and the often-avoided regular brushing of teeth. It’s time to step up the dental care of our dogs — for the sake of their health and for maintaining the size of your wallet. Win-win, right?

With the help of two leading veterinary dentists — Dr. Debra Nossaman and Dr. Ben Colmery III — Dogster identified key dental issues facing dogs of all ages and sizes. “Dogs can be so good at hiding pain, so that by the time a person realizes something is wrong with their dog, the problem may be advanced,” says Dr. Nossaman, a board-certified veterinary dentist and co-founder of the Dallas Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery in Texas.

Dr. Colmery, a board-certified veterinary dentist who co-founded the American Veterinary Dental Society and who owns the Dixboro Veterinary Dental clinic in Ann Arbor, Michigan, adds, “When we can find the issue in the mouth and fix it, the dog has a new lease on life.” Here’s the rundown on the top dental issues and how to deal with them:

Red Swollen Gums

As a rule, healthy gums should be bubblegum pink, but they can also have pigmentation that’s black or sports black spots. But swollen, red and painful gums signal gingivitis, a condition caused by a buildup of bacteria and tartar on the teeth.

The solution calls for a veterinarian to take dental X-rays, study them and then conduct a thorough teeth cleaning while your dog is under anesthesia.

“We have made quantum leaps in the improvement of anesthesia and sedation in veterinary dentistry,” says Dr. Colmery. “Giving pain medication before, during and after dental procedures has been shown to speed recovery and lessen the level of general anesthesia.”

Dr. Nossaman adds, “When you can see the rim next to the teeth get red and inflamed, that is gingivitis and the teeth need to be professionally cleaned. Don’t wait for severe gingivitis to occur, because your dog will be at risk for bone loss or painful, periodontal pockets.”

Tartar Buildup & Yellowing Teeth

Your dog can avoid this condition if you brush his teeth daily or at least weekly. You do not always have to wrestle your dog to pry open his mouth and then wiggle in a toothpaste-coated toothbrush to reach the back molars.

You can just wrap a washcloth with dog-safe tooth-paste around your index finger and rub inside the cheek surfaces on both sides to remove the scum off the out-side of the teeth. And then reward your dog with a treat.

Dentists casually call this the “flip the lip” procedure.

“Make this a happy event,” Dr. Nossaman says. “Don’t try to pry the mouth open. Dogs have five muscle groups working to try to close the mouth; expect them to wiggle and resist. By rubbing inside the cheeks, you can remove about 80% of what you need to remove and let the dog’s tongue take the toothpaste to work on the inside.”

Dreaded Doggie Breath

Turning your head and holding your breath may be your go-to choice, but that action doesn’t help your dog. Instead, be a pet detective and report what you see inside your dog’s mouth, and describe the yucky odor to your veterinarian pronto.

“More than 400 types of bacteria have been identified in the oral cavities of companion animals,” Dr. Colmery says. “That odor comes from two main places: something wrong inside the mouth or something wrong inside the GI (gastrointestinal tract).

”Your dog’s foul breath will not disappear on its own.

“Bad breath is a sign of poor oral health and should be addressed promptly,” Dr. Nossaman says. Talk with your veterinarian about your dog’s diet, and consider adding good bacteria in the form of probiotics.

Broken Teeth

Dogs have reputations for being chewers. What you select for them to chomp on may be the difference between intact teeth and broken teeth.

“Do the knee test,” Dr. Colmery suggests. “If you hit your dog’s chew against your knee and it hurts, it is not a good idea to give to your dog to chew on. Chews should be pliable and have some give. When the chew is too hard, it does not give, and the chewing action between the upper and lower molars can cause broken teeth.”

A telltale clue something is seriously wrong is if you notice your dog is suddenly chewing food on one side of his mouth, Dr. Nossaman adds.

“If the pulp of the broken tooth is exposed, you might see blood,” she says. “If your dog is dropping pieces of kibble at mealtime or not playing with his toys or engaging you in tug-of-war, he may be dealing with a broken tooth issue.”

Depending on the situation, the tooth will need to be surgically removed or fitted with a metal crown.

Metal Crowns – Front and Side View.

Overcrowded Teeth

Dogs, no matter the size, should sport 42 adult teeth. But small breeds with smaller jaws face more issues with teeth crowding together. Dogs with pushed-in faces, like Pugs, Bulldogs and Shih Tzu, often need to have some teeth removed to maintain a healthy bite.

“Especially with small dogs, crowding requires us to identify which teeth are important and which teeth we can say bye-bye to and remove,” Dr. Colmery says.

Fractured Jaw

“Unfortunately, we see this far too often in which a big dog crushes a little dog’s jaw in a fight,” Dr. Nossaman says. “Or a dog will get kicked in the face by a horse or get his head caught in a gate.”

Repair calls for surgery to wire the jaw in place to give it time to heal. “Fortunately, a dog’s jaw does not need metal plates and it is pretty forgiving.” she says.

Oral Mass

Regularly looking inside your dog’s mouth can help you spot an over-growth of gum tissue, better known as an oral mass or oral tumor. Tumors can be both benign or cancerous and can develop slowly or quickly, Dr. Colmery says.

Oral masses can also indicate that your dog is dealing with health issues beyond the mouth, such as diabetes or kidney disease.

Retained Baby Teeth

“The general rule is that no two teeth should occupy the same space at the same time,” Dr. Nossaman says. “Unaddressed, it can impact the dog’s bite and cause movement of the teeth.”

Another concern: Baby teeth can cause infection that will impact the ability of the adult tooth to poke through the gumline and take its designated position in the mouth.

Surgical removal of the stubborn baby teeth may be necessary.

Tooth Crowns

Due to having some pointy teeth, dogs rarely develop cavities. However, any tooth — in a person or a dog — can chip. Most of the cases requiring the fitting of metal crowns on dogs tend to involve police dogs or military dogs.

“We do metal crown work on dogs who need to do bite work,” Dr. Nossaman says. “The crown does not make the tooth stronger, but it does offer some tooth protection.”

But sometimes veterinary dentists insert cast metal alloy crowns to repair fractured or damaged teeth. These crowns are purposely placed just above the gumline to help maintain good oral hygiene.

The post Top 9 Doggie Dental Issues by Arden Moore appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

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Cherry Eye in Dogs — Prevention and Treatment

The post Cherry Eye in Dogs — Prevention and Treatment by Melvin Peña appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

If you’re anything like me, your dog is the apple of your eye, and one of the dearest creatures in the world. Your dog’s ocular health may not be the first thing you think of in the morning, but your dog relies on her eyes just as much as you do. Cherry eye in dogs is a condition that doesn’t affect all pups, but can affect any dog’s tear production and eye health.

The signs of cherry eye in dogs are easy to spot; caught and treated quickly, it’s possible to reverse the deleterious effects. In severe cases, though, your veterinarian or a veterinary ophthalmologist may have to perform surgery to prevent long-term eye problems. Let’s talk about cherry eye in dogs and how to treat it!

What is cherry eye in dogs?

All dogs have a third eyelid,  also called a nictitating membrane, as well as two glands that produce tears to lubricate their eyes. The nictitating membrane, based in the lower eyelid, is a sort of secondary shield for the eyes. It protects dogs’ eyes from wind, dust, and other foreign objects as they play or work. The nictitating membrane has its own dedicated tear gland. This tear gland produces anywhere from 35 percent to 50 percent of the total moisture in a dog’s eye, and is thus an essential component to overall eye health in dogs.

Cherry eye in dogs occurs when the connective tissue that holds the gland in place is weak, faulty or otherwise damaged. The nictitating membrane’s tear gland comes loose and prolapses from its little pocket and out of the bottom or corner of the dog’s eye, usually closest to the nose. This bulbous, fleshy, red protrusion of the gland from the lower eye is the primary symptom, and gives the condition its colorful, fruited moniker. If your dog has, or has had, cherry eye, you should be especially watchful. Extended or recurring cases of cherry eye in dogs can lead to decreased tear production and other eye problems.

What causes it?

Cherry eye in dogs is a congenital disorder, passed on from generation to generation. Beyond genetic predisposition, it is still unknown what precisely causes it. We do know that the ligaments and connective tissues that hold the tear gland of the nictitating membrane fail to keep it in place, and that cherry eye in dogs is more common in certain breeds.

What breeds are more prone to cherry eye in dogs?

Owners and prospective owners of Basset Hounds, Beagles, Bloodhounds, Boxers, Bulldogs (English and French), Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, Lhasa Apsos, Neapolitan Mastiffs, Newfoundlands, Pekingese, Poodles (especially Miniature), Pugs, Saint Bernards, Shar-Peis, Shih Tzus, and terriers (including the Boston Terrier, Bull Terrier and West Highland White Terrier) should be aware of the increased risk for cherry eye in these breeds.

Breeds with shorter muzzles, along with toy or teacup varieties in general, are at higher risk for cherry eye in dogs. However, it can happen to any dog, and at any age.

Home treatment for cherry eye in dogs

Caught early enough, I’ve come across many online accounts of successful massage treatment of cherry eye in dogs. Using a combination of a warm, moist cloth and dog-safe eye drops, the home method of treatment involves calming the afflicted dog and gently massaging the prolapsed tear gland of the nictitating membrane until it sucks back into place. Even when this technique is successful, though, there is no guarantee that the cherry eye is gone for good. It may recur, and a dog who has had cherry eye in one eye is at higher risk of having it happen in the other as well.

When to see a vet about cherry eye in dogs

The safest bet with cherry eye in dogs is a visit to the veterinarian, who can accurately determine the specific reason for your dog’s cherry eye. Since there is no fixed cause, an early consultation can help ensure your dog’s long-term eye health.

There are three common surgical options. In the first case, the vet may be able to stitch the prolapsed tear gland back into place. In other cases, a veterinary surgeon may find the connective tissue too weak to cradle the gland properly. For situations like these, the surgeon will attempt to create a new pocket or envelope to hold it in place permanently.

The third option was, in past years, the most common, and involved complete removal of the cherry-eyed tear gland. Removal of the prolapsed gland is an option of absolutely last resort. Removal of the affected tear gland will require lifelong after-treatment with artificial tears to prevent chronic dry eye and secondary problems that can occur when there’s insufficient production of lubrication for a dog’s eyes.

Long-term effects of cherry eye in dogs

Left untreated, a dog with cherry eye is at greater risk for long-term health problems. The longer the gland is prolapsed, the greater the risk of associated problems. Proper blood flow to the gland is restricted. The gland may swell the longer it is exposed. Pawing, scratching or rubbing the affected eye may irritate it further, and create opportunities for secondary bacterial or viral infections to take hold.

In most cases, caught early enough, cherry eye in dogs is successfully treated or managed with minimal veterinary assistance, hopefully before your dog needs surgery.

Thumbnail: Photography ©Flickr user Litherland via Creative Commons License. Some size modifications have been made to fit this site.

This piece was originally published in 2014.

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Can Dogs Eat Hot Sauce?

The post Can Dogs Eat Hot Sauce? by Sassafras Lowrey appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Have you seen the viral TikTok Dog Hot Sauce Challenge? While this challenge is going viral on TikTok and other social media platforms, it’s not good for dogs. 

As the name implies, the “challenge” is to feed dogs hot sauce. Generally, people are giving dogs meat such as chicken smothered in hot sauce, and they record and upload their dog’s response to the internet. 

Can dogs eat hot sauce?

It’s clear from the videos that the dogs don’t like the hot sauce. The videos often capture the dogs appearing excited to get a treat before becoming scared and confused when they taste the hot sauce. Is hot sauce dangerous for dogs? 

 If this challenge sounds like a bad idea to you, you’re right, says Dr. Tory Waxman, Chief Veterinary Officer and co-founder of human-grade dog food brand Sundays for Dogs, Inc. Hot sauce might be tasty to some people, but you don’t want to give it to your dog. 

While chances are your dog won’t like the taste of the hot sauce, eating it can also make him sick and uncomfortable. Feeding hot sauce to your dog can “cause irritation of the gastrointestinal tract including the mouth, esophagus, stomach and intestines,” explains Dr. Waxman. Symptoms of gastrointestinal irritation can include vomiting, diarrhea, as well as abdominal pain. 

Why is hot sauce dangerous for dogs?

Hot sauce is full of ingredients that aren’t good for dogs to eat.  

“Capsacin is the active ingredient in chili peppers that gives them their spice. The level of capsacin varies widely depending on the type of pepper in the hot sauce but it is the active ingredient in hot sauce that causes irritation to the gastrointestinal system,” Dr. Waxman explains.

Many hot sauces also contain vinegar, which can also lead to gastrointestinal irritations for dogs. 

If you’ve seen the TikTok Dog Hot Sauce Challenge you might be wondering “can dogs eat hot sauce?” Photo: katerinasergeevna/Getty Images

If your dog ate hot sauce, here are the symptoms you need to watch for

 Dr. Waxman advises that milder cases of dogs ingesting hot sauce can irritate the dog’s mouth, stomach, esophagus and intestines. However, in moderate to severe cases eating hot sauce “could result in ulceration of the mouth, esophagus and stomach.” In these more severe cases, symptoms might include vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia or refusal to eat, as well as abdominal pain. Dogs who are having these symptoms should be evaluated and treated by their veterinarian.

If your dog accidentally ingests hot sauce, consult with your veterinarian to determine the next steps you should take and if it’s ok to monitor your dog at home or if you need to take your dog to an emergency vet clinic. 

Giving your dog hot sauce risks damaging your relationship with your dog

Beyond the risk of making your dog sick, there are other important reasons not to get caught up in the TikTok craze and feed hot sauce to your dog. 

“Please please, as a veterinarian and dog-lover, I am urging you not to feed your dog hot sauce. In addition to the possible health consequences, your dog eats what you feed them because they trust you – and you never want to hurt that special bond in any way,” says Dr. Waxman. 

Dog’s look to us for reassurance, safety and care. We want our dogs to trust us; the last thing we should do is intentionally cause them harm or discomfort simply to get a laugh on social media. 

Featured Image: Enes Evren/Getty Images

Read Next:What Spices Are Safe for Dogs?

The post Can Dogs Eat Hot Sauce? by Sassafras Lowrey appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

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